Test your stomach acid in 5 mins

What is stomach acid: your stomach is a very acidic environment (ph of 1-3) including hydrochloric acid what does it do: the acid breaks down food to help

you absorb the nutrients and also kills bacteria and viruses to protect you from pathogens. here's why you need good stomach acid production:

• breaks down food for good digestion

• ensures you can actually absorb the nutrients you're eating

• protects us from pathogens that can result in food poisoning

• prevents gut dysbiosis aka bacterial overgrowth things that impact stomach acid production: high stress levels, nutrient-poor diet, aging, not eating enough protein, PPI medication, antacids etc

Let’s be clear - this is an easy at home test to better understand your stomach acid levels, it is not the most scientific way to test but I think its a great place to start.

Try this test at home

First thing in the morning mix:

1/4 tsp baking soda with 1 cup water and drink it on an empty stomach. Set a timer to see how long it takes you to burp.

• Burping within 2-3 minutes is ideal.

• 3-5 mins means it could be on the lower end.

• More than 5 minutes could indicate low stomach acid.

Repeat this test 2-3 days in a row for most accurate results.

Some things you can do to address low stomach acid:

- work on destressing, especially around meal times

- incorporate more protein into your diet

- chew your food well

- limit any processed foods

- tsp-tbsp (work up) apple cider vinegar before meals

- add more fermented veggies into your diet

- avoid water and other cold liquids around meal times

- supplement with betaine HCI and Pepsin before meals

- consider your use of PPIs, antacids, etc

Throughout my gut health journey I have known that I need to work on my stomach acid. I have struggled thru post medication use but it’s a great reminder that I need to continue working on it. I also feel my stomach acid